Today In The Beatles History

Arriving in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, September 14, 1964

Paul McCartney in Newquay during filming of ‘Magical Mystery Tour’, 14 September 1967.

George Harrison at The Beatles’ Pittsburgh press conference, 14 September 1964
Photo © Donnie Johnson

These anecdotes from The Beatles’ Baltimore concerts (13 September 1964) are arguably very similar to what the band’s only Pittsburgh appearance was like:

“I was at this show in the evening, 8 rows from the front. I could not speak for one week. People were passing out. You could not hear one word sung or spoken but I was there.” - Gina, baltimoreorless.com, 18 November 2010
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“I was a Baltimore City Cop detailed there that night. It was pandemonium there as I remember. We had to use diversionary methods to get them out of the building and over to the holiday inn.” - Gerald J. Hock, baltimoreorless.com, 10 February 2014
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“I was at the Civic Center [in Baltimore] at the afternoon show. Couldn’t hear a word The Beatles sang. I was to busy screaming & crying George. WJZ was there filming, I was in row AA, well when I got home I watched the news w/my family and low and behold there I am on the news, screaming & crying George.” - Colleen Reynolds, baltimoreorless.com, 28 July 2011

On September 14th 1964, the Beatles touched down at Greater Pittsburgh Airport for their one and only performance in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.

4,000 screaming fans turned out to greet the Beatles at the airport. The boys were quickly whisked into their waiting limousine and driven away with a large police escort.
The Beatles arrive at Greater Pittsburgh Airport, September 14th, 1964.

5,000 fans awaited their arrival at the Civic Arena, where Pittsburgh police struggled to contain the mania. Police insisted the concert producers hire 100 policemen at a cost of $50 per officer; making protecting the Beatles a rather costly endeavour.
Police struggle to hold fans back at the entrance to the Civic Arena, Pittsburgh, September 14th, 1964.

The hysteria in Pittsburgh reached such a pitch that no hotel would accommodate the band, and they didn't spend the night, much to the disappointment of Pittsburgh fans.

The set lasted 30 minutes, which was standard for their 1964 American shows.


Police struggle to hold fans back at the entrance to the Civic Arena, Pittsburgh, September 14th, 1964.

The Beatles on stage at the Civic Arene, Pittsburgh, September 14th, 1964.

14 сентября 1967

14 сентября 1967

14 сентября 1967

14 сентября 1967

14 сентября 1967

14 сентября 1967

14 сентября 1967

14 сентября 1967

14 сентября 1967

The Beatles performed one concert on this day, to an audience of 12,603. Their only show in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania took place at the Civic Arena, the world's first major indoor sports stadium with a retractable roof.

The group had arrived at Greater Pittsburgh Airport in their Lockheed Electra aeroplane at 4.36pm that afternoon. They were greeted by 4,000 fans, some of whom had been waiting since 9am.

There were 120 police officers at the airport, including 15 on horseback. The Beatles were escorted from the aeroplane into a waiting limousine which drew away, flanked by police on motorcycles.

Parkway West was lined with teenage fans, waiting to see the motorcade, and 5,000 people were outside the Civic Arena as the group arrived. They gave a press conference, then ate a meal before the concert.

The support acts were, in order of appearance, The Bill Black Combo, The Exciters, Clarence 'Frogman' Henry, and Jackie DeShannon.
Photo:On the plane from Baltimore to Pittsburgh, 14 September 1964

14 сентября 1967

14 сентября 1967

14 сентября 1967

14 сентября 1967

14 сентября 1967